Faith, Justice, and Coexistence: Imam Khomeini’s Vision of Divine Religions By H.E. Hassan Mohseni Fard, Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai

Slaam People Guest Post Desk 

Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, viewed divine religions through the lens of unity, spirituality, and justice. Grounded firmly in Islamic principles, he believed that all divinely-revealed religions—from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)—were sent with a shared mission: to guide humanity, establish justice, spread ethical values, and call people toward monotheism.
To Imam Khomeini, religion—regardless of its name or form—was rooted in the innate nature (fitrah) of humankind, and carried a universal message. He strongly emphasized that differences in religious law and tradition should not give rise to enmity between the followers of different faiths. Rather, attention must be paid to the shared values that unite the world’s great religions, many of which converge on ethical, spiritual, and social teachings.

H.E. Hassan Mohseni Fard, Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai

Citing the Qur’an and the history of religions, Imam Khomeini continuously stressed that all human beings, irrespective of their religion or sect, must be treated with respect and dignity on the basis of their humanity.
A Call for Interfaith Dialogue
One of Imam Khomeini’s landmark initiatives in the realm of interfaith engagement was his message to Pope John Paul II, then the leader of the global Catholic community. In this historic correspondence, Imam Khomeini called for collaboration among the world’s religions to confront oppression, imperialism, and the suffering of the downtrodden.
His message transcended geographical and theological boundaries, highlighting his concern for the shared spiritual and moral foundations of all faiths. Imam Khomeini firmly believed that religious leaders—regardless of their tradition—bear the responsibility to stand against injustice and tyranny and to promote messages of peace, compassion, and ethics across the globe.
Religious Coexistence in Iranian Society
Imam Khomeini’s views were not confined to theory; they manifested clearly in his approach to religious minorities within Iranian society. In meetings with representatives of Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian communities, he consistently emphasized respect for religious beliefs, the protection of civil rights, and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
He declared on multiple occasions that in the Islamic Republic, the rights of religious minorities are preserved. These communities were not only protected by law, but their active participation in social and cultural life was seen as a source of pride. His inclusive outlook recognized religious and cultural diversity as an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and solidarity.
Spirituality as a Common Thread
Despite the many political and social challenges he faced, Imam Khomeini consistently placed spirituality at the heart of his vision. For him, spirituality was not exclusive to Islam but was the essence of all divine religions. He believed that liberating humanity from material enslavement and elevating moral values was the ultimate aim of every prophetic mission.
This perspective closely mirrors the cultural fabric of India, where spirituality, ethics, and coexistence form the core of interfaith relations and social harmony.
A Message for the 21st Century
In an era increasingly marked by religious extremism and ideological polarization, Imam Khomeini’s call for a return to authentic spirituality and shared values resonates more strongly than ever. His teachings serve as an invitation to forge common ground between religions, and to lay the foundation for a more peaceful world.
Though he was a revolutionary Islamic leader, Imam Khomeini’s vision extended beyond the boundaries of sect and nationality. He considered religion a source of mutual understanding, coexistence, justice, and morality. He believed that followers of divine religions, with wisdom and a soft yet firm resistance to policies contrary to the cultural and philosophical ethos of the East, could form a united front against global injustice—contributing to the building of a better world for 21st-century humanity.
As we commemorate the 36th anniversary of this great leader’s passing, revisiting his messages on interfaith unity and spirituality offers a meaningful step toward strengthening dialogue between civilizations and fostering mutual respect among nations.